Thanksgiving

We had the best Thanksgiving in MS. We had a couple of things that weren't so fun (we attended Layne Grace Gaston's Life Celebration as she passed away right as we were getting into MS, a few family members caught the stomach bug during the week, and Steve worked all week laying wood floors at his parents house), but for the most part we had a GREAT TIME! Laying the wood floors was hard work for Steve and he was exhausted, but he was very happy to do it (and liked helping his family and learning the process of laying wood floors).

First, I must say this blog post is ALL OUT OF ORDER! I have been meaning to get this post up for days and I just don't have time to arrange the photos this week. ha! So here goes:

Laura Beth LOVED this crown of Hannah Claire's. She wore it most of the time we visited them. I think she may need one for Christmas. ha!

We went to the park with Gran, GiGi, and Gage one day.

This is Gage's first sucker. He was hilarious eating it.

We got to see Ro Ro (robin) and Mimi (Linda). Pops was not there as his mother was very sick during this time. She passed away on Monday night. We are praying for their family during this difficult time.

Gage and Laura Beth LOVED playing in Mimi's fountain. They were soaking wet when we were finished.

These next pictures are hilarious to me. Socks, the dog, is a neighborhood dog in Angie's neighborhood. Laura beth called her, "MY dog." When she went out in the morning she would instantly say, "Hey, where's MY dog." We would take Socks with us if we could. Laura Beth and her got along too well (as you can see in these pictures).

While we were in MS, my best friend Jennifer got engaged! I am so happy for them. They are getting married this next October.

While in Greenville, we visited my mom's kindergarten class on "Cowboy Day."

We also visited the several playgrounds throughout the week.

Mammy and Laura Beth watching a movie

Mammy and Laura Beth playing on a playground.

Gran and Laura Beth at the Carousel in Greenville.

Laura Beth LOVING her "Matt Darby time." She had so much fun at the Darby house.

More of Laura Beth's cousins. She loves them all so much, especially Hannah Claire!

Look at those pretty blue eyes.

Zane loves this slide.

Mammy and Bampa's Grandchildren. This really is a miracle shot...they are ALL looking and smiling!

And if you made it this far, then I guess you can see a nice side view of the growing tummy.

We have so much to be thankful for!

Puddles

...or "Paddles" as Laura Beth was calling them. She has done this before but it has been a while and she has forgotten the fun of jumping in the puddles.

Raggedy Ann and Andy

We had a fun Halloween week. Laura Beth had several functions to wear her costume. Her cousin Hannah Claire passed down this costume for us and Laura Beth had a great time in it.

Steve was such a great sport to dress as Andy.

Getting the "Makeup" on. She wasn't a fan at first.

Having a blast in the Balloon Room at the Church Fall Festival.

All together it was a really fun week. We will trick or treat for just a little while tomorrow night.

Pumpkin Patch

This cute little pumpkin patch offered everything Laura Beth could want in Pumpkin Patch visit. Look who she spotted first (Look in the background). Mickey and Mini!

Laura Beth jumped in bounce houses, went down blow up slides, went on a hay ride, went on a mechanical swing ride, did some animal petting, and road a pony for the first time. SHE LOVED IT! She kept telling the pony, "good job pony."

Afterward, she found a wagon started picking out pumpkins.

We had a great time for our first "Pumpkin Patch" experience.

THE PUMPKIN WE CHOSE!

We are so thankful for health this year, thus far. Laura Beth (and all of us) have been much healthier than the past year. We are also thankful for the wonderful weather, the new addition to our family arriving in April, God's provision, and PUMPKINS of course. :)

Physically and Mentally growing

We have been having a wonderful FALL! First of all, Laura Beth has been WAAAY more healthy this year than last fall. (I'm so thankful for several months of no illnesses!). The weather has been beautiful here in Fort Worth. We are taking advantage. We are outside at any chance we have.

Tonight, Steve is in Houston, TX at a MSU game. He is living it UP! I saw him on T.V. during one of the touchdowns. ha! I'm happy MSU is winning on his "guys weekend."

I went to the a Baby doctor visit yesterday. Baby M has a great heartbeat. During the sonogram, Baby M was swinging arms and kicking feet. I lost some weight, which I was concerned about (because I never lose weight), but my doctor isn't concerned at all about it. I have felt really good with exhaustion and a few headaches to complain about (so thankful these are the only things).

The other day, Steve taught Laura Beth how to swing and hit the ball. She used to push the ball off the tee with the end of the bat. (Frustrated Steve very much). She wouldn't actually swing. However, she is doing much better now.

Warning: This video is long. It's different clips of Laura Beth reading lately. She has really become a "secret reader." You'll hear her tell me to "go" because she wants to read the book without me watching. I have to "catch" her doing it, because she doesn't read on command (of course). Notice in the princess book she runs her fingers over the words. Hilarious. You can't really understand her as much in the Princess book, but you can decipher more in the Barney book. My favorite part of the entire reading video is when she pats her head and says, "Imagination" in the Barney book. She has never done that before and neither have we...she came up with that on her own. ha! Enjoy!

MS Madness

This past weekend was a little crazy. We took and unexpected trip to MS. My grandmother passed away on Wednesday. Then we learned on Thursday morning that Steve's close friend, James David Wells, father died in a car wreck on Thursday morning in Lake Village Arkansas. Needless to say, we traveled alot, and attended a couple of funerals during this trip to MS.

We were completely exhausted from the trip. Both funerals were hard for this pregnant, emotional lady. However, God provided some joyful times during all of the sadness. Here are some pictures of those times.

Uncle Lou Lou tickling Laura Beth.
"Excuse me. I'm taking a bath here."
JD and Laura Beth driving the van.

My Sweet Nephew Gage.

Attempting a hug.

"Let's crank this thing up."
Together again. They instantly hugged when they saw each other and were "off"...they played the entire time we were together. (Funny face, Laura Beth).

I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Zane. He has gotten so big and even cuter (if that's possible).